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H.R.3117 / 105th Congress

Civil Rights Commission Act of 1998

Referred to Subcommittee on Constitution, Federalism, Property.

Official summary

Version 36 · Passed House amended · Mar 18, 1998

Civil Rights Commission Act of 1998 - Amends the Civil Rights Commission Act of 1983 to extend the termination date of the United States Commission on Civil Rights. Authorizes appropriations to carry out that Act. Sets a four-year term of office for the Commission's staff director and requires the Commission to annually review the staff director's performance. Includes the Commission in the term "agency" for purposes of the Freedom of Information Act, the Privacy Act of 1974, the Government in the Sunshine Act, and the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Requires the Commission to prepare an annual financial statement and have the statement audited by an independent external auditor. Shortens Commission Members' terms of office to five years. Requires the Commission to implement the General Accounting Office's recommendations regarding revision of the Commission's Administrative Instructions and structural regulations and to establish a management information system. Requires the Commission to report regarding: (1) enforcement of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990; (2) religious freedom in public schools; (3) the crisis of young African-American males; (4) fair employment law enforcement; and (5) the civil rights implications of regulatory obstacles confronting minority entrepreneurs. Declares that the purpose of advisory committees constituted by the Commission is to conduct fact finding and develop findings or recommendations. Requires any report by an advisory committee to be fairly balanced in the viewpoints represented.

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Who introduced it

Rep. Canady, Charles T. [R-FL-12] · R–FL

Committees

  • Judiciary Committee
  • Judiciary Committee
1 cosponsorship records, including any withdrawals

Actions

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  1. Referred to Subcommittee on Constitution, Federalism, Property.

  2. Received in the Senate and read twice and referred to the Committee on Judiciary.

  3. Motion to reconsider laid on the table Agreed to without objection.

  4. On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

  5. Passed/agreed to in House: On motion to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended Agreed to by voice vote.

  6. DEBATE - The House proceeded with forty minutes of debate.

  7. Considered under suspension of the rules. (consideration: CR H1254-1257)

  8. Mr. Canady moved to suspend the rules and pass the bill, as amended.

  9. Placed on the Union Calendar, Calendar No. 248.

  10. Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 105-439.

  11. Reported (Amended) by the Committee on Judiciary. H. Rept. 105-439.

  12. Ordered to be Reported (Amended) by Voice Vote.

  13. Committee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  14. Forwarded by Subcommittee to Full Committee by Voice Vote.

  15. Subcommittee Consideration and Mark-up Session Held.

  16. Referred to the Subcommittee on the Constitution.

  17. Referred to the House Committee on the Judiciary.

  18. Introduced in House

  19. Introduced in House

Bill text & related measures

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Related bills identified by Congress.gov

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Source last updated: Aug 10, 2026. Consult Congress.gov for the current record.

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Neutral evidence review

Objective

Analyze H.R.3117 as objectively as possible. Explain its main provisions, who would be affected, possible benefits and harms, implementation, exceptions, and uncertainties. Present the strongest arguments for and against it, and identify evidence needed to assess its public impact.

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Fairness and public impact

Progressive lens

Examine H.R.3117 through a progressive lens, focusing on fairness, access, economic inequality, and effects on vulnerable communities. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and distinguish stated goals from demonstrated outcomes.

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Institutions and government scope

Conservative lens

Examine H.R.3117 through a conservative lens, focusing on fiscal responsibility, institutional stability, federalism, and the scope of government. Explain potential benefits, costs, and unintended consequences. Consider the strongest counterarguments and any provisions that challenge this perspective.

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Individual rights and government power

Liberty lens

Examine H.R.3117 through a civil-liberties and limited-government lens. Consider individual rights, privacy, voluntary choice, accountability, and government power. Explain tradeoffs, possible safeguards, and the strongest counterarguments without assuming the proposal is beneficial or harmful.

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